Surgical drape and method of use

ABSTRACT

A surgical drape includes a first, closed container within which a first sheet is disposed. The first sheet has first and second opposed ends, the first end of the first sheet being removable from the container so as to remove a desired portion of the first sheet from the container, the second end of the first sheet remaining within the container. Preferably, the first container is laid across a desired portion of the table prior to placing the patient on the table. After the patient has been positioned properly and prepped, the first sheet can be pulled from underneath the patient and pulled out of the first container so that the sheet covers the table in the area of surgical interest and then covers the entire side or end of the table down to the floor. After the surgical procedure has been completed, the first sheet and the container can be removed and discarded. Desirably, the surface of the container in contact with the table is provided with adhesive that will prevent undesired movement of the container relative to either the table or the patient. If desired, the edges of the first sheet can be provided with adhesive surfaces, or possibly hook and loop fasteners, in order to secure the edges of the first sheet to selected portions of the operating table. Alternative embodiments include a second sheet that can be used to cover other portions of the operating table and a third sheet that can be used to cover portions of the patient during pre-operation preparations.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of InternationalApplication PCT/US03/18255, filed Jun. 10, 2003. The present applicationclaims priority from, and incorporates by reference, the followingUnited States Provisional Patent Applications: Ser. No. 60/386,758 filedJun. 10, 2002; Ser. No. 60/456,552 filed Mar. 24, 2003; and Ser. No.60/457,513, filed Mar. 25, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to surgical drapes and, more particularly, to asurgical drape for protecting a patient and portions of an operatingtable.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Currently, after a patient is placed on an operating table inpreparation for surgery, the patient must be lifted or otherwisemaneuvered in order to position drapes under the patient. This canresult in random sterilization or inadequate isolation of certainportions of the patient from the surgical table. Moreover, considerabledifficulty in properly positioning the drapes can be experienced. Anytime spent in properly positioning the drapes can undesirably increasethe amount of time required to perform the surgical procedure.

Desirably, a surgical drape would be available that would minimize oreliminate difficulties in placing drapes under a patient while isolatingthe surgical field in a sterile manner. Any such drape hopefully wouldbe easy to use and would permit the surgical procedure to be performedwith minimal delay.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In response to the foregoing concerns, the present invention provides anew and improved surgical drape. In a first embodiment, the surgicaldrape according to the invention comprises a first, closed containerhaving a portion that can be selectively opened to form a first opening,the first container being of a size and shape such that a patient can beplaced atop the first container when the first container is placed onthe upper surface of the operating table. The invention includes a firstsheet disposed within the first container, the first sheet having firstand second opposed ends, the first end of the first sheet beingremovable from the first container through the first opening so as toremove a desired portion of the first sheet from the container, thesecond end of the first sheet remaining within the container.

Preferably, the first sheet is folded in a plicated (accordion-like)manner for compact disposition within the first container and the firstcontainer is laid across a desired portion of the table prior to placingthe patient on the table. After the patient has been positioned properlyand prepped, the first sheet can be pulled from underneath the patientand pulled out of the first container so that the sheet covers the tablein the area of surgical interest and then covers the side or end of thetable down to the floor. After the surgical procedure has beencompleted, the first sheet and the container from which it was pulledcan be removed and discarded readily.

In the preferred embodiment, one surface of the container is providedwith one or more adhesive surfaces that will secure the container to theupper surface of the operating table, thereby preventing undesiredmovement of the container relative to either the table or the patient.Desirably, the adhesive will be exposed by the removal of a non-stickprotective layer. Also, the leading edge of the sheet desirably isprovided with a pull tab. The sheet can be made of a wide variety ofsterilizable materials, typically fluid-impervious, such as polyethyleneor vinyl. If desired, the edges of the sheet can be provided withadhesive surfaces, or possibly hook and loop fasteners, in order tosecure the edges of the sheet to selected portions of the operatingtable.

In a second embodiment, the first embodiment is modified to include asecond sheet having first and second opposed ends. Preferably, thesecond end of the second sheet is connected to the second end of thefirst sheet disposed within the first container. The first end of thesecond sheet is movable relative to the second end of the second sheetso as to expose a desired portion of the second sheet. In thisembodiment of the invention, a second, closed container is provided. Thefirst sheet, the first container, and the second sheet are disposedwithin the second container. The second container has a portion that canbe selectively opened to permit the contents of the second container tobe removed therefrom. It is expected that the second sheet will beprovided with adhesive surfaces in order to removably attach the secondsheet to the operating table. Preferably, the second sheet is relativelythick and soft, such that it can be disposed over a substantial portionof the operating table in order to provide comfort to the patient aswell as to provide protection for the table. Desirably, the second sheetis made of a first ply made of netting material, a second ply made of anadsorbent pulp material, and a third ply made of a fluid-imperviousmaterial such as polyethylene or vinyl.

In a third embodiment, a third sheet is provided. The third sheet can beused with either the first or the second embodiment or even aconventional surgical drape. The third sheet preferably isfluid-impervious and has first and second ends. The second end of thethird sheet is connected to a selected one of the first container, thesecond end of the first sheet, or the second end of the second sheet inthe region of the connection between the first container and the secondsheet. The first end of the third sheet includes a cut-out portion thatpermits the third sheet to be fitted about a selected portion of thepatient. Preferably, the third sheet is provided with a layer ofadhesive about its periphery in order to permit the third sheet to beremovably attached to the patient. Desirably, the connection between thethird sheet and a selected one of the first container, the first sheet,or the second sheet is severable such that the third sheet can beremoved and discarded when desired, such as after initial pre-operativepreparation work on the patient has been completed.

The surgical drape according to the invention is usable with variousattachments and devices that commonly are used in conjunction with suchdrapes. For example, the invention can be used with a conventionalpouch-like container made of a lightweight, flexible material, thepouch-like container having a large opening at a first end and a small,selectively openable valve at a second end. The pouch-like container hasa layer of adhesive adjacent the large opening that permits thepouch-like container to be attached to, and removed from, a selectedportion of the first sheet or the first container.

By using the surgical drape according to the invention, the drape can bepositioned on the upper surface of the operating table in a desiredposition prior to placing the patient thereon. Accordingly, merely byopening the first container, the first sheet can be withdrawn from thecontainer and both it and the second sheet, if provided, can be extendedas necessary to protect the table. There no longer is a need to lift thepatient once the patient has been placed on the table.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will beapparent from a review of the following description of the invention,together with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of a first embodiment of a surgical drape according tothe invention disposed at the foot of an operating table;

FIG. 2 is a view of the surgical drape of FIG. 1, with a first sheetpartially withdrawn from an opened container;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 in which the first sheet has beenpulled further from the container;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the inventionwith a second sheet in the process of being expanded;

FIG. 5 is a view of the surgical drape of FIG. 4 atop an operatingtable;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 in which the first sheet has beenfully pulled from the container;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing a third embodiment of theinvention in which a third sheet is provided;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the drape of FIG. 7 showingthe third sheet partially severed from the remainder of the drape;

FIG. 9 is a view of the third sheet from the opposite side shown in FIG.8 and illustrating adhesive applied to the third sheet;

FIG. 10 is a view of the surgical drape of FIG. 4 packaged in a secondcontainer; and

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4 showing the surgicaldrape in the process of being opened.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-3, a first embodiment of a surgical drapeaccording to the invention is indicated generally by the referencenumeral 10. The drape 10 is illustrated as being used for perinealsurgery, where the portion of the patient being operated on ispositioned at the foot of an operating table 28. The drape 10 could beused for surgical procedures on any part of a patient's body, such asthe head (head of the operating table 28) and upper extremities (sidesof the operating table 28), and so forth.

The drape 10 includes a first sheet 12 that is disposed in a first,elongate, flexible container 14. The container 14 has an end portion 16that is connected to the remainder of the container 14 by a series ofscores 18. The sheet 12 is folded in plicated (accordion-like) fashionto form a series of pleats 20. The pleats 20 are arranged so that thesheet 12 can be withdrawn from the container 14 after the end portion 16has been opened.

The sheet 12 has a first end 22 and a second, opposed end 24. The secondend 24 is secured to the inside of the container 14. A series ofperforations 25 extend across the sheet 12 near the second end 24 (seeFIGS. 6-8). The first end 22 is not connected to the container 14. Asmall pull tab 26 of paper or other suitable material can attached tothe first end 22 in order to permit a user to readily pull the sheet 12from the container 14. The tab 26 can be colored differently than thesheet 12 in order for the user to more readily locate and grasp the tab26. It is expected that the second end 24 will be secured within thecontainer 14, preferably by adhesive or heat-sealing. One side of thecontainer 14 is provided with an adhesive surface (not shown) that isprotected by a removable, non-stick protective layer (not shown).

The sheet 12 can be of various sizes and shapes, or combinations ofsizes and shapes, although a generally rectangular shape is preferredfor ease of manufacture. For example, the sheet 12 can be in the form ofa trapezoid in which the smaller end of the sheet 12 remains disposedwithin the container 14 or a combination of a smaller upper rectangularportion connected to a larger lower rectangular or trapezoidal portion.The actual dimensions of the sheet 12 will be selected to fit thedimensions of the operating table 28 and the type of surgical procedurebeing performed.

The sheet 12 preferably is made of commercially available polyethylenesheeting, about 0.003 inch thick, which can be sterilized. There areother materials that are suitable for the sheet 12, such as varioustypes of vinyl. Regardless of the material from which it is made, thesheet 12 preferably is fluid-impervious. The container 14 preferably ismade of a sterilizable, transparent, fluid-impervious material such aspolyethylene or vinyl. It is expected that the sheet 12 will be in asterile condition while it remains in the unopened container 14. Ifdesired, the sheet 12 can be provided with adhesive portions, orpossibly hook and loop fasteners, at selected places in order to attachthe sheet 12 to the operating table after the sheet 12 has been pulledfrom the container 14. The pull tab 26 also can be provided withadhesive portions, if desired.

In use, the non-stick layer covering the adhesive surface on thecontainer 14 is removed and the container 14 is placed atop theoperating table 28 in a desired location. For example, if the drape 10is to be used for perineal surgery, the container 14 will be placed ator near the foot of the table 28. The container 14 extends toward thefloor approximately 24 inches on either side of the table 28. Thecontainer 14 is positioned such that the first end 22 is closest to theend of the table 28. The adhesive surfaces on the container 14 willprevent the container 14 from moving relative to the table 28.

The patient is placed atop the table 28 with the patient's buttocks orlumbar spine region on the upper surface of the container 14. An openingis formed in the container 14 by pulling on the portion 16. Thecontainer 14 is severed in the region of the scores 18. If the pull tab26 is attached to the first end 22, pulling the tab 26 toward the floorwill pull the sheet 12 along with it. Alternatively, if the pull tab 26has not been used, the first end 22 is grasped and pulled, whereupon thesheet 12 can be withdrawn from the container 14 and positionedappropriately to cover the end and sides of the table 28. If adhesiveportions have been included as part of the edges of the sheet 12 and/orthe tab 26, the sheet 12 can be attached to the table 28 in order toprevent undesired movement of the sheet 12 during the surgicalprocedure. After the surgical procedure has been completed, the sheet 12can be severed along the perforations 25 and discarded. The remainder ofthe drape 10 can be removed and discarded after the patient has beenremoved from the table 28.

A Second Embodiment

Referring generally to FIGS. 4-6 and 10-11, a surgical drape accordingto a second embodiment of the invention is indicated by the referencenumeral 30. The drape 30 is substantially identical to the drape 10,with the following exceptions. The drape 30 includes a second sheet 32that has first and second opposed ends 34, 36. The second end 36 isconnected to the second end 24 of the sheet 12 disposed within thecontainer 14, preferably by adhesive or heat-sealing. The remainder ofthe sheet 32 remains outside the container 14. In a manner similar tothe first sheet 12, the second sheet 32 is folded to form pleats 38. Thefirst end 34 is movable relative to the second end 36 so as to expose adesired number of pleats 38. The second sheet 32 preferably has one ormore adhesive surfaces 40 that are protected by removable layers 42 onthat side that faces the upper surface of the operating table 28.

A second, closed container 44 is provided. The first sheet 12, the firstcontainer 14, and the second sheet 32 are disposed within the container44. The container 44 has a sealed closure 46 that can be selectivelyopened to permit the contents thereof to be removed from the container44. It is expected that the contents of the container 44 will besterilized and will remain in that condition until the closure 46 isopened.

The second sheet 32 preferably is made of a sterilizable, relativelysoft material. It is possible to make the second sheet 32 from a firstply of netting material, a second ply made of an absorbent pulpmaterial, and a third ply of a fluid-impervious material such aspolyethylene or vinyl. If sterilization is not critical, the container44 can be made of the same material at that from which the container 14is made. Preferably, however, the container 44 is be made of twomaterials—a backing sheet that is porous to a sterilizing gas such asethylene oxide and a facing sheet of a transparent, non-porous materialsuch as mylar or clear polyethylene. The container 44 is commerciallyavailable and is referred to as a “sterilization pouch.”

In use, the sheet 32 is moved to that position shown in FIG. 5 and issecured in place on the upper surface of the operating table 28 by theexposed adhesive surfaces 40. Thereafter, the sheet 12 and the container14 are positioned as described previously and as shown in FIG. 6. Afterthe surgical procedure has been completed, the sheet 12 can be removedfrom the remainder of the drape 30 and discarded. Then, after thepatient has been removed from the table 28, the container 14 and thesecond sheet 32 can be removed and discarded.

A Third Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, a surgical drape according to a third embodimentof the invention is indicated by the reference numeral 50. The drape 50is substantially identical to the drapes 10, 30, with the followingexceptions. The drape 50 includes a third sheet 52 that preferably ismade of a fluid-impervious material such as polyethylene or vinyl. Thesheet 52 has first and second opposed ends 54, 56. The second end 56 isconnected to a selected one of the first container 14, the second end 24of the first sheet 12, or the second end 36 of the second sheet 32 inthe region of the connection between the first container 14 and thesecond sheet 32. The first end 54 is movable relative to the second end56 so as to cover a desired portion of the patent. Such covering isfacilitated by a cut-out portion 58. The third sheet 52 preferably hasadhesive surfaces 60 on its periphery that are protected by removablelayers (not shown) on that side that faces the patient. The adhesivesurfaces 60 that are expected to contact the patient are made ofdouble-sided tape that employ patient contact grade adhesive.

It is expected that the sheet 52 will be attached directly to thepatient during pre-operation preparations by means of the adhesivesurfaces 60. After such preparations have been completed, the sheet 52can be removed from the patient. Then, the second end 56 can be severedfrom the remainder of the drape 50 (see FIG. 8) and discarded. Theremaining portions of the drape 50 will remain in place while thesurgical procedure is performed. After the surgical procedure has beencompleted, the drape 50 can be removed and discarded as describedpreviously for the drapes 10, 30.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, a pouch-like container 70 can beused with any of the drapes 10, 30, 50. The container 70 has a largeopening 72 at a first end 74 and a small, selectively openable valve 76at a second end 78. The container 70 includes a layer of adhesiveadjacent the first end 74 that permits the container 70 to be attachedto, and removed from, a selected portion of the first sheet 12 or thefirst container 14. The container 70 can be used to collect tissue,fluids and other waste materials discarded during the surgicalprocedure. Fluids can be withdrawn from the container 70 through a hose(not shown) connected to the valve 76. Solid materials will be retainedwithin the container 70 for disposition after the surgical procedure hasbeen completed. The container 70 is commercially available fromMitcrotek Medical, Inc., Columbus, Miss. 39701.

As will be apparent from the foregoing description, a surgical drapeaccording to one of the embodiments of the invention can be positionedin any desired place on the upper surface of the operating table 28 inorder to perform any desired type of surgical procedure. It is possiblethat two or more drapes 10 can be used at the same time to protectdifferent portions of the operating table 28. Merely by opening thefirst container 14, the first sheet 12 can be withdrawn from thecontainer 14 and extended as necessary to protect the table 28. Thesecond sheet 32 similarly can be extended over the operating table 28.Because the drape 10 is pre-positioned on the table 28, there no longeris a need to lift the patient once the patient has been placed on thetable 28.

Although the invention has been described in its preferred form with acertain degree of particularity, it will be understood that the presentdisclosure of the preferred embodiment has been made only by way ofexample and that various changes may be resorted to without departingfrom the true spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.It is intended that the patent shall cover, by suitable expression inthe appended claims, whatever features of patentable novelty exist inthe invention disclosed.

1. A surgical drape for use in conjunction with an operating tablehaving an upper surface upon which a patient can be placed, comprising:a first, closed container having a portion that can be selectivelyopened to form a first opening, the first container being of a size andshape such that a patient can be placed atop the first container whenthe first container is placed on the upper surface; a first sheetdisposed within the first container, the first sheet having first andsecond opposed ends, the first end of the first sheet being removablefrom the first container through the first opening so as to remove adesired portion of the first sheet from the container, the second end ofthe first sheet remaining within the container; a second sheet havingfirst and second opposed ends, the second end of the second sheet beingconnected to the second end of the first sheet, the first end of thesecond sheet being movable relative to the second end of the secondsheet so as to expose a desired portion of the second sheet; and asecond, closed container within which is disposed the first sheet, thefirst container, and the second sheet, the second container having asealed closure that can be selectively opened to permit the contents ofthe second container to be removed therefrom.
 2. The surgical drape ofclaim 1, wherein the first sheet is made of a material selected from thegroup consisting of polyethylene and vinyl.
 3. The surgical drape ofclaim 1, wherein the first container is made of a material selected fromthe group consisting of polyethylene and vinyl.
 4. The surgical drape ofclaim 1, further comprising a pull tab attached to the first end of thefirst sheet.
 5. The surgical drape of claim 1, wherein the first sheetis folded within the first container in a plicated manner.
 6. Thesurgical drape of claim 1, wherein the selectively openable portion ofthe first container is defined by scores.
 7. The surgical drape of claim1, wherein the second sheet is comprised of a first ply made of nettingmaterial, a second ply made of an absorbent pulp material, and a thirdply made of a fluid impervious material, the third ply in use adapted tobe in contact with the upper surface of the operating table.
 8. Thesurgical drape of claim 7, further comprising an adhesive surface on theouter surface of the third ply and a removable protective layer disposedover the adhesive surface, the adhesive surface being exposed uponremoval of the protective layer, the adhesive surface being attachableto the upper surface of the operating table to prevent movement of thesecond sheet relative thereto.
 9. The surgical drape of claim 1, whereinthe second sheet is folded within the second container in a plicatedmanner.
 10. The surgical drape of claim 1, wherein the first containerincludes a second opening through which the second end of the secondsheet extends into the first container, the second opening being sealedtightly to the second end of the second sheet.
 11. The surgical drape ofclaim 1, wherein the second container is made of a material that permitsthe contents of the second container to remain in a sterilized conditionwhile the second container is unopened.
 12. A surgical drape for use inconjunction with an operating table having an upper surface upon which apatient can be placed, comprising: a first, closed container having aportion defined by scores that can be selectively opened to form a firstopening, the first container being of a size and shape such that apatient can be placed atop the first container when the first containeris placed on the upper surface, the first container being made of afluid-impervious material; a first sheet disposed within the firstcontainer, the first sheet being folded within the first container in aplicated manner and having first and second opposed ends, the first endof the first sheet being removable from the first container through thefirst opening so as to remove a desired portion of the first sheet fromthe container, the second end of the first sheet remaining within thecontainer, the first sheet being made of a fluid-impervious material; apull tab attached to the first end of the first sheet; a second sheethaving first and second opposed ends, the second end of the second sheetbeing connected to the second end of the first sheet, the second sheetbeing made of a first ply made of netting material, a second ply made ofan adborbent pulp material, and a third fluid-impervious ply, the thirdply in use adapted to be in contact with the upper surface of theoperating table, the first end of the second sheet being movablerelative to the second end of the second sheet so as to expose a desiredportion of the second sheet; a second opening in the first containerthrough which the second end of the second sheet extends into the firstcontainer, the second opening being sealed tightly to the second end ofthe second sheet; an adhesive layer on either the outer surface of thethird ply of the second sheet or the container, or both; a removableprotective strip disposed over the adhesive layer, the adhesive layerbeing exposed upon removal of the protective strip, the adhesive layerbeing attachable to the upper surface of the operating table to preventmovement of the second sheet and the container relative thereto; and asecond, closed container within which the first sheet, the firstcontainer, and the second sheet are disposed, the second containerhaving a portion that can be selectively opened to permit the contentsof the second container to be removed therefrom, the second sheet beingfolded within the second container in a plicated manner, the secondcontainer being made of a material that permits the contents of thesecond container to remain in a sterilized condition while the secondcontainer is unopened.
 13. A surgical drape for use in conjunction withan operating table having an upper surface upon which a patient can beplaced, comprising: a first, closed container having a portion definedby scores that can be selectively opened to form a first opening, thefirst container being of a size and shape such that a patient can beplaced atop the first container when the first container is placed onthe upper surface, the first container being made of a fluid-imperviousmaterial; a first sheet disposed within the first container, the firstsheet being folded within the first container in a plicated manner andhaving first and second opposed ends, the first end of the first sheetbeing removable from the first container through the first opening so asto remove a desired portion of the first sheet from the container, thesecond end of the first sheet remaining within the container, the firstsheet being made of a fluid-impervious material; a pull tab attached tothe first end of the first sheet; a second sheet having first and secondopposed ends, the second end of the second sheet being connected to thesecond end of the first sheet, the second sheet being made of a firstply made of netting material, a second ply made of an absorbent pulpmaterial, and a third ply made of a fluid-impervious material, the thirdply in use adapted to be in contact with the upper surface of theoperating table, the first end of the second sheet being movablerelative to the second end of the second sheet so as to expose a desiredportion of the second sheet; a second opening in the first containerthrough which the second end of the second sheet extends into the firstcontainer, the second opening being sealed tightly to the second end ofthe second sheet; an adhesive layer on either the outer surface of thethird ply of the second sheet or the container, or both; a removableprotective strip disposed over the adhesive layer, the adhesive layerbeing exposed upon removal of the protective strip, the adhesive layerbeing attachable to the upper surface of the operating table to preventmovement of the second sheet and the container relative thereto; asecond, closed container within which the first sheet, the firstcontainer, and the second sheet are disposed, the second containerhaving a portion that can be selectively opened to permit the contentsof the second container to be removed therefrom, the second sheet beingfolded within the second container in a plicated manner, the secondcontainer being made of a material that permits the contents of thesecond container to remain in a sterilized condition while the secondcontainer is unopened; a third, fluid-impervious sheet having first andsecond ends, the first end of the third sheet being movable relative tothe second end of the third sheet so as to expose a desired portion ofthe third sheet, the second end of the third sheet being connected to aselected one of the first container, the second end of the first sheet,or the second end of the second sheet in the region of the connectionbetween the first container and the second sheet; a cut-out portionincluded as part of the first end of the third sheet that permits thethird sheet to be fitted about a selected portion of the patient; alayer of adhesive about the periphery of the third sheet that permitsthe third sheet to be attached to the patient; and the connectionbetween the third sheet and a selected one of the first container or thesecond end of the first sheet or the second end of the second sheetbeing severable such that the third sheet can be removed and discardedwhen desired.
 14. A method for protecting selected portions of anoperating table during a surgical procedure, the operating table havingan upper surface upon which a patient can be placed, comprising thesteps of: providing a surgical drape having a first, closed containerthat can be selectively opened to form a first opening, the firstcontainer being of a size and shape such that a patient can be placedatop the first container when the first container is placed on the uppersurface, and a first sheet disposed within the first container, thefirst sheet having first and second opposed ends, the first end of thefirst sheet being removable from the first container through the firstopening so as to remove a desired portion of the first sheet from thecontainer, the second end of the first sheet remaining within thecontainer; placing the unopened container on the upper surface; placingthe patient on the container and uncovered portions of the uppersurface; opening the container; and removing a desired portion of thefirst sheet from the first container and positioning the removed portionso as to protect desired portions of the operating table.
 15. The methodof claim 14, wherein the surgical drape includes a second sheet havingfirst and second opposed ends, the second end of the second sheet beingconnected to the second end of the first sheet, the first end of thesecond sheet being movable relative to the second end of the secondsheet so as to expose a desired portion of the second sheet, andcomprising the further steps of: exposing a desired portion of thesecond sheet and placing the exposed portion on the upper surface priorto the step of placing the patient on the container and uncoveredportions of the upper surface.
 16. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising the steps of: providing a third, fluid-impervious sheethaving first and second ends, the first end of the third sheet beingmovable relative to the second end of the third sheet so as to expose adesired portion of the third sheet, the second end of the third sheetbeing connected to a selected one of the first container, the second endof the first sheet, or the second end of the second sheet in the regionof the connection between the first container and the second sheet, thethird sheet having a configuration that conforms to a desired portion ofthe patient; placing the third sheet in contact with the patient so asto cover selected portions of the patient; conducting pre-operativepreparations of the patient; and severing and removing the third sheetafter pre-operative preparations have been completed.